Yes, Sensei! ‘The Karate Kid’ TV Series Sequel Is Happening
Get ready to sweep the leg all over again.
In what may be the biggest news for fans of the '80s since the launch of leg warmers, a 10-episode Karate Kid comedy series, called Cobra Kai, with original stars Ralph Macchio and William Zabka, will air on YouTube Red, reports the Hollywood Reporter:
The series, set to bow in 2018, is set 30 years after the events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament and revolves around a down and out Johnny who, seeking redemption, reopens the infamous Cobra Kai dojo. It reignites his rivalry with a now-successful Daniel, who has been struggling to maintain balance in his life without the guidance of his mentor, Mr. Miyagi (the late Pat Morita). The half-hour comedy follows the duo addressing demons from their past and present frustrations — through (what else?) karate."
It's important to note this will be a comedy, which brings with it the chance it will poke fun at itself and not take itself so seriously. Considering how beloved the original film is, this could be a nice twist on the continuing story of Daniel and Johnny, especially since the duo has embraced their iconic roles over the years, appearing at conventions and even starring in an arc on How I Met Your Mother.
The project was a hot property, with Netflix, Amazon, Hulu and AMC all trying to secure its rights. Macchio and Zabka have been active trying to sell it.
"If The Karate Kid was Daniel’s story, Cobra Kai is equal parts Daniel and Johnny’s story," says a YouTube spokeswoman. "Also because this is a series and not a movie, we really wanted to re-imagine how the story was told."
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